Hip Pain and Injury

Hip arthritis is a degenerative condition that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in one of the body’s major weight‑bearing joints. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and thoughtful management can make a meaningful difference in staying active and independent. Symptoms often progress gradually, which is why working with a specialist can help clarify the cause and guide an effective plan.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving function through conservative options like activity modification, medications, injections, and physical therapy. When arthritis becomes severe or daily activities are significantly limited, surgical procedures—including hip replacement—may offer long‑lasting relief. Recovery varies by procedure, but most patients experience improved mobility, reduced pain, and a return to normal routines with the help of physical therapy and short‑term walking aids.

If hip arthritis is affecting your quality of life, a hip specialist can help you explore the right treatment path. With proper care and a plan tailored to your lifestyle, many people regain comfort and confidence in their daily movement.

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Hip bursitis occurs when the bursae—the small, fluid‑filled sacs that cushion the hip—become irritated or inflamed. This makes even light pressure or simple movements feel sharp or achy, especially along the outside of the hip or thigh. Pain often worsens with repetitive activity, long periods of sitting or standing, or lying on the affected side.

Symptoms usually start as sharp outer‑hip pain and may progress into a deeper ache that spreads down the thigh. Many people notice discomfort when standing up after sitting, climbing stairs, or taking long walks. While you can’t always prevent bursitis, maintaining hip strength and flexibility and avoiding repetitive strain can help lower the risk.

Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatment such as activity modification, NSAIDs, physical therapy, or steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed, but in persistent cases, hip arthroscopy may be considered to remove the inflamed bursa or address underlying structural issues. If hip pain continues or interferes with daily life, a hip specialist can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.

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Hip dysplasia is a structural condition where the hip socket is too shallow to fully support the femoral head, leading to joint instability and uneven pressure. Over time, this can cause labral tears, cartilage wear, and early arthritis. Although often present at birth, many people don’t notice symptoms until adolescence or adulthood, when activity or growth makes the mismatch more painful.

Typical symptoms include groin pain, stiffness, popping or catching, and reduced range of motion. Mild cases may be managed with nonsurgical care such as activity changes, physical therapy, and anti‑inflammatory strategies, though these do not correct the underlying bone structure. When symptoms persist, hip arthroscopy may help in select cases, while more severe dysplasia may require a PAO performed by specialized surgeons not at OrthoNebraska. Advanced arthritis may eventually lead to hip replacement.

Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help preserve the natural hip joint and reduce long‑term pain. If symptoms are ongoing, a hip specialist can help determine the best next steps.

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Hip impingement, or FAI, happens when extra bone on the hip joint causes the ball and socket to rub together in ways they shouldn’t. This friction can lead to groin pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, and symptoms often appear gradually. The condition is structural—usually related to how the hip bones formed—so it can’t be prevented, but early care can slow joint damage.

There are three forms of FAI: pincer (extra bone on the socket), cam (a bump on the femoral head), or combined. Early treatment may include nonsurgical options like activity changes, anti‑inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. These can ease symptoms but won’t correct the bone shape. When pain persists, hip arthroscopy can reshape the bone and repair damaged tissue, often leading to significant pain relief and better mobility.

If hip pain is ongoing or limiting your daily activities, a hip specialist can help determine whether FAI is the cause and guide you toward the right treatment.

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A hip labral tear is an injury to the cartilage (labrum) that lines and stabilizes the hip socket, helping the joint move smoothly. These tears can be caused by structural issues, sports injuries, or normal wear and tear, and often lead to hip or groin pain, stiffness, and a clicking or locking sensation.

Our orthopedic hip specialists diagnose labral tears using a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.

While the tear itself doesn’t heal on its own, symptoms can often be managed with rest, medications, injections, and physical therapy.

In more severe cases, minimally invasive surgery may be needed to repair the tear and restore normal hip function.

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Hip strains occur when the muscles or tendons around the hip are overstretched or torn, often from sudden movements, overuse, or a direct injury. They can cause pain, tenderness, and difficulty with everyday motions like walking, bending, or lifting the leg. While uncomfortable, most hip strains improve with proper care and activity modification.

Initial management typically focuses on conservative treatment such as rest, ice, compression, elevation, and anti‑inflammatory strategies to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy is often helpful for restoring strength and flexibility once the acute pain settles. More severe strains may require a longer recovery period, but they still generally heal without surgery.

If hip pain persists or interferes with daily activities, a hip specialist can help determine whether the issue is a strain or another condition that needs different treatment. Early evaluation can prevent symptoms from worsening and support a safe return to normal activity.

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